Four Million Pounds Compensation in Brain Birth Injury Case

A Norfolk teenager, who was left with severe brain damage after delays in her delivery, has had a 4 million pounds compensation settlement approved in the High Court.

Tahlia Jade Downes (15) of Hellesdon, Norfolk, was born at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital on 22 June 1995, after her mother, Dawn, endured a prolonged and troubled labour. During her delivery, Tahlia´s brain was starved of oxygen, resulting in Tahlia developing cerebral palsy and being confined to a wheelchair.

Through her mother, Tahlia claimed that medical staff were responsible for her injuries as they had allegedly failed to respond when the labour had become difficult, and not performed a Caesarean section operation – choosing instead to deliver Tahlia with the use of forceps.

Mrs Justice Thirlwall at the High Court heard how Tahlia suffers from both mental and physical disabilities as a result of her birth injury and also experiences difficulty with her vision. Mrs Justice Thirlwall also heard that the Norfolk and Norwich NHS Trust denied liability for Tahlia´s injuries, but had agreed that the teenager should be compensated on the basis of 70 per cent of her claim.

Approving the settlement, the judge paid tribute to Tahlia´s family, stating that” It is not for the first time in this court that I am privileged to observe and read about the loving care given to children by their parents and family. I have no doubt that Tahlia is as well as she is because of the enduring care of her parents and her brothers. I salute you all.”